Do You Believe in Fairies?

Tomorrow is the big day, and we are hosting Thanksgiving in a big way.  My entire family is getting together for the first time in years, and in order to accommodate 13 people but leave enough leftovers to execute the "Moistmaker", we have purchased a robust 22 pound turkey that we hope to grill.

That is, if the nasty stomach bug that seems to have my husband in its clutches lets up in time.  But unfortunately, this isn't the first time someone has gotten sick around this most food-related holiday.  Or the second.  Or the third. 

For about as long as I have been involved with Joel, our family has been visited annually by the aptly named "Stomach Flu Fairy".  The first year my sister played the role of the fairy, unknowingly exposing each diner to the virus.  As everyone returned home after the feast they were hit, one by one, leaving my Dad and I the only ones unaffected and Joel in the unfortunate position of being grossly sick at the home of his future father-in-law.

The trend continued year after year, with last year being the only exception as some members of our family battled swine flu rather than the more belly-turning variety.  So yesterday, when I pulled our rock hard bird from the freezer and into a cold water bath, I kept my fingers crossed that all would go well.

Perhaps I should have shared that sentiment with my husband.

You see, this year WE are the stomach flu fairies.  We, the holiday hosts, are the bearers of bad news and queasy tummies.  The turkey, sunning itself on my refrigerator shelf, will likely be making its final flight over to my Dad's house for the big day, and my plans for mulled cider and pinecone napkin rings will just have to wait.

It's okay, though.  The details don't make the day-- what's most important is that we are together to share in the season, right? 

You let me know and I'll text Joel.  He's upstairs and I'm sleeping on the couch.  

I don't want anything to do with that.

(Happy Thanksgiving, friends!  I will be back on Monday to let you know how it all turned out.  Wish us luck-- Friday is Joel's birthday and in his current state, cake won't be necessary...)